If you like something…

Author Notes: As part of my blog this summer, I dedicated a series of posts to the farmers of my farmer's market in Chicago. As often as possible, I take some time out of my weekly market routine to stop and talk to the farmers. I hear their stories on why they farm, what kind of crops they raise and the kind of people that help them do the back breaking work. It's been such an amazing experience learning about the food I'm eating. Not only am I buying locally, but I am starting to understand the work and love that goes into the food I buy. It has been a truly lovely experience meeting these people.

One of my first weeks at the market this season, I spoke with a very small farm that was new to the market. They had giant bushels of all sorts of fresh greens. The broccoli rabe was by far the best looking and most fragrant. I snatched some of it up to take home immediately. Now, the last part of my farmer's blog series focuses on the recipes the farmers recommend to me based on what I buy at their stands. Alex (the farmer) shared with me that he had just made a curry rice dish with lots of wilted broccoli raab the night before. This was my inspiration for the Broccoli Raab Curry Lentil Soup that I hope you will all enjoy! It's not much of a summer soup as it's quite hearty and spicy, so enjoy it as fall approaches and the holiday season takes you inside to spend time with family.

In a large soup pot, heat a hearty amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onions with some salt and pepper to release the liquids from the vegetables. After cooking for 5-7 minutes, add tomato paste and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 3 more minutes. Add the curry, cumin and red pepper and mix to combine. Let cook for 3 more minutes.

Add the whole can of tomatoes, including the juice, bay leaves, and salt and pepper and give the pot a good mix. Bring to a simmer (about 3-4 minutes). Add the lentils to the tomato and vegetable mixture. Stir in and let cook for 3 minutes.

Add the chicken broth and water to the pot, turn the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. This will take about 10 minutes. Lower to medium, but the broth should still be lightly boiling. Once boiling add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Next, add the potatoes and let cook for about 5 minutes or until potatoes are soft enough to eat. Lastly, add the broccoli raab and mix it in. It will wilt really quickly, so once you add it, lower the heat. Serve immediately!